Hepatitis B surface Ag
- Description
- Qualitative chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for the detection of Hepatitis B surface antigen in serum. This test is used to diagnose current infection with Hepatitis B virus. Confirmed positive patients undergo further testing for Hepatitis B e antigen and e antibody and a second sample is required for this. DO NOT test within 2 weeks subsequent to a Hepatitis B vaccination dose as this interferes with assay interpretation. This assay is available as a screening test Mon to Sun. This test is not UKAS accredited
- Clinical details
- Hepatitis B infection affects an estimated 350 million people and accounts for 1 million deaths worldwide. Infection, particularly if acquired in infancy can remain lifelong and lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth (commonest route in high prevalence areas), through sexual contact or through injecting drug use. The risk of having chronic infection mostly reflects the prevalence in a persons country of birth. Ante-natal screening and vaccination of at risk infants has been incredibly effective at reducing transmission of hepatitis B. Proper clinical monitoring and treatment where appropriate can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications of Hepatitis B.
- Related condition
- Reference range
Not Applicable
- Units
- Qualitative Test - Detected/Not Detected
- Testing site
- Synnovis : Infection Sciences : Blackfriars Hub
- Laboratory
- Virology
- Sample type and volume required
- 2.5 - 5 ml Yellow Top Serum Separation Tube (SST) Clotted Blood (for Serum).
- Storage and transport
- Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). To prevent sample haemolysis please store samples in refrigerator if a delay in sending samples to CSR is unavoidable.
- Turnaround time
- 3 working days
- Contacts
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas’ Hospital
Phone: 020 7188 8008
St Thomas’ Hospital
North Wing – 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EHSouth London Specialist Virology Centre
Phone – Results: 02032996155
Phone – Medical Advice: 02032996298
King’s College Hospital
Cheyne Wing, 2nd Floor (opposite Liver ITU)
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
DX address: South London (PHL) Kings DX 6570200 Peckham 90SE